VET SPEAK: Alison Laurie-Chalmers on the simple steps to take to make sure summer is cool for cats – and safe around the home and garden
Most cats love warm, sunny weather, so with summer here, here are some steps you can take to keep your cat safe while out in the sun.
Your cat should always have unlimited access to fresh, clean drinking water. If your cat prefers to stay outside place the bowls in shaded areas. Replenishing their water with a fresh, cool supply several times a day can encourage your cat to drink and placing multiple bowls around the house and garden will ensure fresh water is always within easy reach. Cat’s love running water, so a cat “water-fountain” is also particularly useful. It is common for cats to eat less in the heat, but do keep a check on their weight.
Although some cats love to lie in the sun for hours, it is still important for them to be able to cool off in the shade when they get too hot. Ensure your cat has a few shady spots to find easily around the house and in the garden and that they can always come back inside when they want to. Simply opening the windows can help provide a cooler, healthier area for your cat to relax and rest in. You can also get a small box fan and set it on the floor or near an open window. Elevate your cat’s bed – with the air passing under the bed helping keep them cooler. Pet cool mats are also excellent.
Groom your cat often as well-groomed, tangle-free coat will also help keep your cat cool. If your cat has long hair and a matted coat, consider professional clipping.
White and light-coloured cats also have very pale skin, and they can be subject to sunburn, particularly on their ear tips or nose area. A cat-friendly, high-factor, pet sun block can be used as directed topically to avoid ultraviolet skin damage.
On a hot day take a dampened cloth and stroke and wipe down your cat’s coat with it. Most cats do not mind a little bit of moisture on their fur, especially when they notice how it can cool them off.
Fill a small drink bottle with cold water and leave it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, wrap the bottle in a towel and put this in your cat’s favourite lounging spot to keep them cool.
Always check any garden sheds and greenhouses before shutting and locking. Cats can find their way inside if they are looking for a shady spot to cool down in, so always check first to avoid trapping them inside. The same goes for checking cars. If you leave your windows open to let the car cool down, always check that a cat has not crept inside before you lock the car or drive away.
Cats keep themselves cool by seeking out the shade, sweating through their footpads, and by licking their coat to allow saliva to evaporate and transfer heat away from their body. Cats generally only pant to cool down as a last resort, so if you notice them panting excessively, this may well be a sign they are overheating.
Symptoms and signs of heatstroke include excessive panting; anxiety; unsteadiness; lethargy; drooling; inflamed, dry gums; vomiting; collapse or unconsciousness.
If you are worried about your cat and suspect they are suffering from heatstroke, then please call your vet immediately as severe heatstroke can be fatal.
Hopefully, though, with this advice, you, and your cats will have a happy, and healthy summer ahead.
n Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant, with Crown Vets in Inverness.
